ANNUAL REPORT 2021 MAHURANGI –ST. COLUMBA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
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The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26
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Senior Elder A
s a church family, we have again seen changes unfold, throughout the year, additional staff, new ministries rising up and our new build begin to take on a physical shape. Challenges and opportunity abound in this transition season. How do we measure our lives, church life and community? What tells us that things are aligned, that life is where it should be? We are by our every decision and action, continually building a wall of character. The only straight and true wall occurs when we use God’s rule, His standard, His plumbline. His Word is His plumbline of Truth. God’s eternal standards are always true and non-negotiable. He uses a plumbline to demonstrate this, in the book of Amos.
relationship neighbours.
with
God
and
our
We can be thankful for God’s plumbline as a measure, as we navigate life in this season of change and transition. The Elders extend this blessing over you and your family:God’s everlasting majesty is seen in His handiwork in the heavens. A highlight of my year while on leave, was to fly south to witness The Aurora Australis (Southern Lights). Karen Jones
A plumbline will be used in the building of our new church, to ensure the tilt slab concrete walls are perfectly perpendicular. So, we too can ensure we line up our lives, church life and ministries with His spiritual plumbline, His Word. God’s plumbline has a lot to do with the poor, with justice and with righteousness, that is living in right
BLESSING — GENEROUS TO OUR COMMUNITY 3
JULY, 2020
MEMORIES FROM 2020-2021
AUGUST, 2020
mahu church on-line
AUGUST, 2020
Global missions sunday
MAHU TARGET BEGINS AFTER LOCKDOWN 4
Senior Pastor H
ow things have changed. This time last year we were navigating the uncertainties of COVID in our community having just come out of lockdown. This year we are beginning a new Building Project and have begun to increase the church’s staff to accommodate the growing demand for pastoral care as well as our community ministries. But with all the busyness going on, it can be easy for us to forget what is important in our mission as a church. This came home to me over my time away on study leave as I began to explore the history of the church in Ireland. This movement, inspired by St Patrick, became one of the most effective forces for spreading the Gospel that the world has seen. So what was so special about their approach? Basically it came down to a focus on three specific ways they intentionally lived their life together.
They regularly served the people around them together
They regularly encouraged each other to live out their faith together
They regularly took time to pray together
As the Irish Christians fully dedicated themselves to these practices, the influence of Jesus began to shape the communities around them. Within the space of 50 years, a large number of Irish had come to follow Jesus. In the years to come this movement would radically transform Northern Europe for Christ. And this is how we want our church to operate. We want to be shaped by the way we serve our community together, by the way we live out our faith together, and the way we pray together. This way of life together glorifies Jesus, but also draws people to Him. So may God continue to bless us as together as we seek to follow Him into 2022. Nick McLennan
SALVATION — SHARING THE MESSAGE OF JESUS 5
Kayla’s Story . . .
Tell us a bit about yourself? My name is Kayla Sutton and I am 15 years old in year 11 at Mahurangi College. I am a dancer and singer, I do competitions in both activities. I have been coming to youth for nearly 2 years and have been a junior youth leader for 1 year. If I could have any superpower it would be to read minds, I feel like it would be great to know what people are thinking. Someone could be thinking something they wouldn't want to tell. However you may be able to save someone's life with that ability. How and why did you start coming to Mahu Youth? I started coming to Mahu Youth when my friend Evie was starting to go. I remember my first night—it was an ice cream party and small groups. I stayed very quiet on my phone and only talking to people I knew. Sarah saw I was a little uncomfortable and sat with me and made me feel better and I started to open up and talk to others.
What does it mean to belong to Mahu Youth? Belonging to Mahu Youth means everything to me. At Mahu Youth we are just one big family. Before I found Mahu Youth I never really found my people and my place and the reason for this is because I didn't accept myself. When coming to Mahu Youth for the first time I thought I had to hide who I truly was but I was loved and accepted for who I am and now I finally know my worth. Why do you like coming to Mahu Youth? Coming to Mahu Youth every Friday is like a break from reality. It is a time to relax and spend time with people who I care about and who care about me. How has your Christian faith grown or developed since coming to Mahu Youth? Before I came to Mahu Youth I didn't know what I believed in quite yet. My mum was Christian and tried to slowly bring us up with it, however then let us decide our own path and what we believe in. Mahu Youth has made me more comfortable with my religion and has helped me learn new things and has not judged me for not knowing the most. If I could change 1 thing about Mahu Youth, what would be ? Some more youthies input, youth is amazing and I feel like it is so fun.
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Exec Pastor A
s I reflect on the year that has passed and look to the year ahead, the word that comes to mind is “building.” Building and buildings have been at the forefront of much of our church life, meetings and discussions in this past year. This encompasses building in the widest sense -in physical, spiritual, social, community. Some of this is reflected in the following:
Building a stronger sense of faith and belief in ourselves to be a people God has called to be witnesses of his message of love to everyone. Building a stronger sense of family within Mahu Church and Mahu Vision Community through the appointment of staff, church and community programs, pastoral care, connect groups, volunteers.
Kayla’s Story Contd. However, sometimes youthies have really good ideas of activities they would like to do and they are more likely to get involved if it wasi their idea. So maybe offer the youthies some more freedom when it comes to what we do at youth. Who is your favourite leader ? I love all leaders and they all do so much for youth. However, I think that
Building a new physical space at Mansel Drive as home for Mahu Church and Mahu Vision Trust.
Buildings at Pulham Road limiting the wide range of activities held here each week.
Building relationships with both our schools, churches, and other community and business agencies.
Building stronger links with the Ministry of Social Development and Ministry of Pacific Peoples.
Thank you to everyone who calls or identifies with us as family. May God richly bless you as we continue to live out our calling here in Mahurangi to build His Kingdom as we testify to God’s goodness, mercy and love made known through Jesus. Roger Mackay
Sarah and Melissa have helped me the most. Coming into youth I was this new girl. Sarah and Melissa took me under their wing and gave me a chance. I would never have grown into the person I am today without these two always there to help me. If I fall no questions asked. It is also amazing that Sarah and Melissa would do it for anyone.
PRESENCE — MEETING WITH GOD 7
Doug good memorial service
NOVEMBER, 2020
AUGUST, 2020
MEMORIES FROM 2020-2021
NOVEMBER, 2020
Sandra olliff farewell
DECEMBER, 2020
resource consent & ground breaking blessing
DRAINAGE REPAIRS
foodbank stall at puhoi market 8
Church FamilyCare “We are family, united in faith, Holy Spirit empowered, to proclaim the reality of Jesus Christ in today’s world.” We all have a place here at Mahu Church and as believers in Jesus, we should be drawn into a community of love, reconciled not only to God but also to one another as a family.
PRAYER TEAM CONNECT GROUPS
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onnect Groups are at the heart of finding community and connection at Mahu Church. We meet together in Small Groups to help us find or increase faith and experience God in ways that we can’t on our own. We also experience family and pastoral care through our network of small groups. In this past year, the welcome table after Sunday services has proven to be a very successful way of introducing new people to our church and connect groups. This important ministry has been ably led by Bronwyn Lane and a dedicated team of volunteers. We also trialled a new 6 week connect group for newcomers that was led by Karen Jones and Roger Mackay. Following the positive feedback from this pilot group we plan to hold several of these groups in the new church year. Roger Mackay
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n the first Thursday of each month we meet to pray for the needs of our growing church family. We are grateful to this faithful group who are committed to praying and caring for our church family. Thank you to Brian Dawson (all the way from Waipu), Jean Moss, David & Elizabeth Page, Mary Pennefather, Barbara Quinn, Beverly Underwood, Jan Stevenson and Rosalie White. We are grateful to the guidance of Nick and the support of our church staff and eldership Philippians 4:6 & 7 translation)
(The Passion
Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life, then God’s wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will make the answers known to you through Jesus Christ.” Anne Wood & Anna Dangerfield 9
CRISIS RESPONSE
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e have a dedicated team who reach out in times of need within our church family and our community. It is inspiring to know that this care is embraced by all our church family. Our church staff are continually meeting the needs of our community and it is wonderful to know of the myriad of ministries we have in place to help in times of need. The community foodbank, preparing meals, communion, counselling, social work, youth programs and mainly music to highlight just a few.
Thank you to all those who take the time to deliver meals, share a cuppa, pray, accompany people to medical appointments and meet a range of practical needs. Regular visitors to our friends at Bethany, Warkworth, Summerset and North Shore hospitals bring such joy and comfort. Galatians 6:2 NIV “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ” We are grateful to every one who takes the time to reach out in love and care.
CHURCH FAMILY BEREAVEMENTS IN 2020-2021 We acknowledge and remember these Mahu Church Family Members who went home to be with Jesus in the past year.
DOUG GOOD 24 July 2020
CLIVE SCHICK 20 November, 2020
ROSE SHEAT 26 November, 2020
CAROL HAZELTINE 25 November, 2020
DAPHNE BALE 25 January, 2021
RENEWAL— OFFERING HOPE FOR THE FUTURE 10
George’s Story . . . Why do you like coming? I love coming to youth because I love getting to see and hang out with all the leaders and friends but also going to junior youth makes me happy because I get to know the younger Kids. I also get the opportunity to give back what I felt when I was a youthie in junior youth group.
Tell us a little about yourself? Oki doki — I'm George WilliamsMart (that's my full name lol) I'm in year 12 at Mahu, I've been at the youth group for about 5ish months.
I feel like to belong to Mahu Youth is to be a part of a family :), One of the main things I've loved about this year even through all the strife and lockdowns and covid is that I know I've got people who've got my back when I need people I can talk to should I need to talk. How has your faith developed?
If I could have any superpower I would choose Super Speed like the Flash and I would have it so that I could take my time in life and enjoy every moment.
Personally I do think that my Christian faith has developed since I joined the youth group. I think for me the main thing was actually Easter Camp that made me change how I thought about faith and how I felt about the church and belief in general.
When did you start coming to Mahu Youth?
If you could change one thing about Mahu Youth what would it be?
Technically I began going to Mahu Youth a while back when my friend Jethro invited me and my big sister was going. Sports and family drama got caught in the mix and I ended up leaving because I didn't have the time anymore. However, this year my mate Lyall convinced me to come back now that my plate was freed up and I went along again.
I dont think I'd change anything since joining the youth group :)) Who is the best church or youth leader? Although controversial I think that the best leader has to be Melissa.
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DECEMBER, 2020
MEMORIES FROM 2020-2021
DECEMBER, 2020
MAINLY MUSIC CHRISTMAS
CHRISTMAS FOODBOX PACKING DAY 12
Children MY STORY
T
hroughout the last year it has been an amazing time working with Mahu Kids, the Holiday program, Mahu Youth, Mahu Target and 24/7. I have loved being apart of the lives of a wide range of Young People and walking alongside them in their life both at school and Church and seeing them grow.
craft or a game to help the children remember the lesson. We also play games that include all the age groups. While we are in lockdowns I post a video in the Mahu Kids Facebook page for the kids to watch and an activity relating to the story.
HOLIDAY PROGRAM
This past year has been a struggle for all of us with the lockdowns and other disruptions to the year and I have been amazed the support that I have received by the church family during this time so thank you for all the support you have given.
I have run a few different holiday programs over the past year, the themes were Mad Science, Superhero’s, Wild West, and Midwinter Christmas. The majority of the kids we get coming to the program are from the community. We have had between 19-30 kids coming to the program per day. At the holiday program we have a variety of games, crafts, and other activity’s related to the theme. I have an amazing team who help me run these and it is a pleasure to work with them.
KIDS CHURCH
MAHU TARGET
As this is a family church we have 2 programs on a Sunday at the 10.30am Service for the children. The first one is for the Preschool aged kids (3-5 year olds) and this is run by volunteers who are on the roster for a couple of times a term. There is also a kids church program for the 5-10 year olds which I run. We have a 10 min lesson taken from a variety of resources found on Right Now Media and other places. We normally do a
Mahu Target is an afterschool program for primary school aged Pacifica kids where the kids will be learning through play. The kinds of activities that we do are cooking, reading, and science based learning. Tuesday is for year 3&4 and Wednesday for year 5&6. We have a good group of kids who come and we have fun when we meet.
I have an amazing support network surrounding me and helping out with all the Groups so thankyou so much everyone who has walked along side me and the Children’s Ministry in both Prayer and by helping.
Melissa North, Children’s Pastor
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JANUARY, 2021
MEMORIES FROM 2020-2021
JANUARY, 2021
NEW BUILDING COMMENCES FOR FOODBANK
Clive schick memorial service
FEBRUARY, 2021
JUNIOR YOUTH TEAM
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Youth LEADERSHIP TEAM
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ur Mahu Youth Senior Leadership Team are absolutely amazing; I couldn’t run our programming without them. They volunteer hours of their time to come alongside our young people to develop: Faith & Hope to create a place where these young people are LOVED and know they belong. Our Junior Development Leadership Team, continually blow my mind with how willing they are to serve. They have fully embraced the E Tu Tangata Culture of our youth group, ‘To Stand Together’ to show young people that they have value, that we can succeed together and that others matter. Looking Back – Leadership Discipleship I think sometimes it’s really important to take a look back, when we are planning for the future. I (Sarah) have been the Senior Youth Pastor for 13 years here at the church. In that period we have had around 65 leaders be part of Mahu Youth Student Leadership team. 45 of these are still active in church life, leaders in small groups, worship teams, tech teams etc. 5 if asked would still say they are actively following Jesus, but don’t currently attend church.
6 have served as Youth Pastors
9 went onto bible college or ministry training
4 are in National or regional wider Church Ministry roles 1 is in an international church ministry role
5 have served as missionaries
My heart hurts for the 15 that have walked away (for now) from things of faith, but for a majority of these 15, I or someone else on the team, past or present have contact with them. They know we are here for them; they can always talk to us. I hope the seeds that were sown, don’t stay dormant, but become alive again.
SUNDAY YOUTH In 2021 we changed our Sunday Youth Programme from being just for Year 7&8s to include year 9-12 as well. It has gone so well. We have done Youth Alpha this promoted some awesome discussions and we have continued on with NUA which expands on the Alpha teachings. This is where we do our really targeted Faith Teaching, we encourage the kids to really dig deep, look into the bible and develop their own faith walk 15
MAHU JUNIOR YOUTH On a Friday after school from 3.305.30pm we run a youth group for year 7&8’s. We have different activity’s each week - for example last term some of our activities included Brain games like Kahoot and Playdough Pictionary, Fear Factor, Teddy bears picnic and Mad Science. We also do some activities and lessons incorporating E Tu Tangata which is a movement across schools bringing awareness to and helping combat tall poppy syndrome.Tthe values of E Tu Tangata are “You Have Value, We Succeed Together and Others Matter. Along with the year 7&8’s we have an amazing team of year 10-13s and some young adults who help run the junior youth program. These Young People are building their leadership skills, strong relationships with the
youth and are responsible role models for our year 7&8s.
SENIOR YOUTH GROUP We have seen a lot of growth in 20202021 despite the disruptions of covid. A lot of this growth has come through our work at Mahu College 24/7. Easter Camp is always a highlight— the young people were so excited to be able to attend in 2021. It’s awesome to watch a young person who is struggling to find their place, come along to Mahu Youth and find family. As they plant themselves in our whanau, we are able to water their roots of faith, and show them the reality of a loving God who wants to be part of their life. Sarah Crocombe, Youth Pastor Melissa North, Junior Youth Leader
Quotes from Young People who have come to youth from building a relationship with them through 24/7: Why is youth group important to you? “It’s important because it makes me feel safe, and I can be myself. It helps me feel more confident in myself. It has amazing people” “I don’t really fit in at school, I came along to youth group and straight away people made me feel like I already was part of the group” “I haven’t always made very good choices, my grandma made me come to youth group on a Friday, so I would stay out of trouble. But now I come because I have made friends, I don’t get judged, people are kind and I have learnt about how to make better choices, but it was done in a nice way”. “I come because of all the people and how absolutely awesome they are”
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Managers PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH PROPERTY IN THE MAHURANGI
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ur church is entering a time of dynamic change. The future of the Pulham Road church (St Columba) is tied closely to the new church being built at Mansel Road. The funding of the new church is dependent on the value of St Columba. Are we there yet? . . .Yes, we are! St Columba, the Wilson Hall and the Church office Over the past decade the Board of Managers has worked with Church leaders, private contractors and volunteers to:
repair and restore the bell tower
repaint the church and the Wilson Hall inside and out
repaint the church roof
replace the roof and spouting on the Wilson Hall and on the foyer area
replace the floor in the Wilson Hall
establish a new foodbank building on the church site
rebuild fences and install heat pumps in the buildings
maintain grounds.
the
buildings
and
We are very grateful to Kevin Pyle, Kevin Anderson, Bernie McClean and David Elmore for their expert work in maintaining our church as a safe, user friendly place of worship. We also acknowledge the commitment of Les Johnston, Bruce Quinn, Murray Pulman, John Christie and Bill Sheppard in helping maintain our grounds and buildings. On August the 10th 2021 the church received a positive seismic assessment of our buildings.
REFUGE— CARING FOR THE AT RISK 17
Mansel Road Property The management of the property and the new build has been co-ordinated by a special steering committee representing Staff, Elders, and Board of Managers. Brian Dangerfield who is an associate member of the PCANZ Property Trustees, has been well placed to build a strong liaison with the national Property Trustees. The current Build Committee consists of Kevin Pyle (Project Manager) Floyd Thomas (design) Brian Dangerfield (Capital Campaign manager) Gary Caldwell, Karen Jones, Jon Lane, Nick McLennan (Chair), Roger Mackay and Neville Johnson. St Andrews, Matakana St Andrews Matakana church is located at 1 Omaha Flats Road Matakana and Is sited on a half- acre of land in the Matakana Country Park.
The church is independently managed by five Trustees. They are Esther Elmore, Glyndyr Johnston, Les Miller, Neville Johnson and Rudy Saleupolu.
This year the Trust have launched a new initiative to promote St Andrews as a wedding venue. Income from wedding bookings enables the Trust to pay all maintenance costs. We have a Facebook page and are now receiving bookings. The vision for St Andrews is to maintain periodic services there but to focus on providing a great venue for marriages and to establish lasting links with newly-weds. The church is also a venue for other Christian gatherings. Mahurangi Cemetery
Heads
Presbyterian
This cemetery is managed by the Mahurangi Heads Presbyterian Cemetery Trust, which includes Les Miller, Roger Mackay and Neville Johnson from the Mahurangi Presbyterian Church, and Greg Kasper and George Ireland from the Mahurangi East Residents and Ratepayer Association.
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vision for each location. They can each generate their own revenue and plan accordingly. TECHNOLOGY
This combined Trust has proven to be effective in restoring the cemetery grounds to a memorial park. The felled trees have been blocked and removed from the site, the overgrown areas have been swept and mown. The grave area has been levelled with new topsoil and re-grassed. (More than a dozen locals came to a working bee on the 8th May 2021 to help.)
Now that the cemetery has a detailed survey map the Trust can look to developing plans and policies to guide future development of new gravesites, memorial gardens and ways to enable visitors to understand the history of the location
The Team of Bill Boyce, Bert Rolston, Jo Rolston, John Lewington, Rudy Saleupolu and Jonathan Lane have each contributed to keeping the Audio, Computing and Visual systems operating. YouTube Streaming The team organised the necessary cameras and equipment to be able to record services and the Pastor’s messages so that they could be viewed later that day on You Tube or off the church website. This facility became especially relevant during Covid lockdown. Thanks especially to Bill and Rudy for the recordings. Sound The new Allen & Heath SQ-5 48Channel / 36-Bus Digital Sound desk has been very well appreciated. While it looks small there is enough technical capability to carry us on to the new church facilities with add-on modules to cover our needs.
Having Trusts to manage Presbyterian properties ensures that different communities have direct input into the management and
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FEBRUARY, 2021
SOME MEMORIES 2020-2021
MARCH, 2021
GOLDEN JANDAL QUIZ NIGHT
DEDICATION OF FOODBANK BUILDING
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Websites need constant attention as needs change and grow. Thanks to Rudy, Bill, Jo for this. Anyone with a special interest and aptitude for technology is welcome to join the team and should contact Jonathan Lane. We have welcomed John Keast who has much experience in the audio field. .
The team is part of the planning for future needs and systems for the new buildings with help from a number of technicians from other churches. This is both challenging and exciting.
FINANCE The finance report will be detailed elsewhere but the Board recognises the increasingly complex Tasks Megan Boyce is undertaking for the church. Megan manages the accounting for regular church operations, for expenditure relating to the new church build and for the rapidly expanding activities of the Mahu Vision Community Trust. Thank you, Megan, for your willingness to serve in this way.
PERSONNEL Reg West, has stepped down from his role on the Board of Managers. Reg has served the church for many years as Board Chairman and more recently as Building Team member and Chairman of the Personnel Committee. He will be missed. Reg’s background experience in business made him an excellent analyst of church enterprise. His appreciation of the complexities of employment around contracts and permanent positions e.g., enabled him to offer prudent advice regarding staff appointments. Reg also set up an appraisal process for the benefit of all staff. As a matter of interest, Reg West brokered the deal between the Church and John Baker that saw St Andrews return to Matakana from Snells Beach in 2007 We salute you Reg, for your business wisdom, your candid opinions, your subtle wit and your call to serve in our church. Neville Johnson, Chairperson
LAIDLAW AT LARGE
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n this past year the number of people taking the opportunity to participate in the Laidlaw at Large courses was much lower than previous years. A number of factors have contributed to this including the choice of subjects being offered, the interruption to lessons through
Covid. One other factor is probably the absence of Gene Nicolson who through other commitments stepped down as host mid 2020. Gene was an excellent host, provided a weekly meal and encouraged the course participants. We thank him for his contribution to Laidlaw at Large.
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New Building PLANNING In 1998 –99 Christine and I were part of a committee that was formed to look into the possibilities and options of building a new church premises. Now some 23 years later after so many more additional discussions, and prayer meetings held by subsequent elders, planning groups and building committees this is now becoming a reality at 22 Mansel Drive, Warkworth.
PROGRESS
church projects in recent years. They are a company based in Red Beach/ Orewa.
PROVISION During the financial year ended 30th June 2021 we have been blessed to have received further capital fundraising donations of $974,476 for the project and other capital fundraising income of $87,640 including interest received, and property development gifts in kind. Arrangements have been put in place with the Presbyterian Property Trustees managed PIF for bridging finance to cover the value of the Pulham Road property.
In October, 2020 we received a revised resource consent from Auckland City Council and a contract was placed with Mason Contractors for the earthworks. In May 2021 we PRAYER received a consent for Stage 1 of the Continue to pray for building process. Contracts have been let for steel fabrication, building team & construction personnel concrete tilt slabs, roofing materials, plumbing and electrical works. safety on the construction site HazardCo has also been appointed to further funds to cover the monitor site safety at the complete project construction site in Mansel Drive. There Gandolf are several ways today you can The words of Tolkien's hobbit Frodo to the wizard still resonate ... In June 2021 a contract was placed contribute to complete the project. with Jacobson Construction for the To find out how you can help please building of the concrete floor and contact Brian Dangerfield by phone the foundations. This company has a at 021 672 500 or by email to wealth of experience in large projects bdangerfield@gmail.com . like ours and have built a number of - Roger Mackay 22
Global Mission T
hank you for your prayers. They make a difference.
to South Sudan for the Sunday School building.
It is the job of the Global Missions Team to keep close contact with the missionaries we support and pass on to you their prayer needs and launch appeals when funds are needed for special purposes.
Special prayers were requested with the outbreak of hostilities involving Israel; for peace, and for protection of Evan and Maala as rockets came close. Also for Jono, Destiny and family when they went down with covid.
When covid closed down Diana’s camp for the children in Romania, the funds held were used for food parcels. The Variety Concert was already planned before the surge of covid in India, and door takings quickly sent direct to Native for relief in the villages of the pastor we support. Discretionary funds were topped up by your donations and sent
DIANA GHERASIMIUC
MICHELLE & GAVIN McCONNELL
MAALA & EVAN THOMAS
Gavin and Michelle continue counselling Missionaries at Piranga; Bruce Eirena now works for Wycliffe in New Zealand; and we pray for safety for pilots flying MAF planes. The Team thanks you for your support. Valda Kerekes
JAYA SUNANI
JONO & DESTINEE MACLEOD
BRUCE & JENNY EIRENA
SALVATION — SHARING THE MESSAGE OF JESUS 23
APRIL, 2021
MEMORIES FROM 2020-2021
APRIL, 2021
MAHU YOUTH AT EASTER CAMP
MAC CALVERT’S MEMORIAL SERVICE 24
Local Mission MAINLY MUSIC
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t’s been another exciting year at Mainly Music. In fact, we’ve had such an influx of families, that, we have had to clear out the church each week so there is enough room to sing and dance. Why do our team of 14 turn up each week? Besides the fact that we love to sing and dance and be BIG KIDS ourselves, we love to share in our mainly music families lives by encouraging them, listening to their ups and downs, helping them with practical solutions, eg babysitting, food parcels but most of all, showing God’s love, through the opportunities God gives us to interact with these families during the session. We have been working with one particular family over the last 6 months and we received this lovely card the other day. Thank you for all your incredible support and kindness. We always feel so loved and encouraged whenever we are at music. It really is so much more than just an activity. We would not be where we are now without all of your care. N and I made a little something – some name tags for you all. We hope you like them. All our love
We really appreciate the support from the church family – those who pray, those that knit for the baby baskets, bake and supply emergency meals and to those who help setup and pack down. Also, a very big thank you to the special couple who make financial donations so we can help families in crisis. A big thanks to my incredible, caring, mainly music team. Robyn Fisher
BETHANY HILL
S
ince initial lockdown we were only able to resume devotions at Bethany Hill in June 2021. We visit on the second and fourth Friday of each month at 10.30am. It is exciting to be back visiting with the folk again. The presence of the Lord has been strong and we all really enjoy our time together. We sing hymns, read a short scripture message, often a Psalm, and pray with the residents. This year several of the staff have joined in and boosted our singing. If anyone would like to join us please contact Bev Underwood or John Christie. Many thanks to participants - John Christie, Larry and Ann Cates., Helen Dalziell, Pat Cooper-Jenkins, Jeanette Grimmer, Christina Buxton. 25
Megan’s Story . . .
Tell us a bit about yourself? I'm Megan Hughes also known as Meg-nugget. I'm 16, I'm in year 11, I've attended a youth group since I was 11 and I've been at Mahu Youth since I was 15. If I had a superpower I would be able to heal fractured souls because that's nice and poetic. Oh! And I'm South African. How and why did you start coming to Mahu Youth? I heard about Mahu Youth from my brother (Aidan) and the friends I made at Mahurangi College and so I decided to try it late last year.
What does it mean to belong to Mahu Youth? To belong at Mahu Youth means to be a friend to all. It means being kind and generous and means that you have family away from home. Why do you like coming to Mahu Youth? I like coming because I love being helpful and because I've kind of lost my faith and it gives me almost faithful security. How has your Christian faith grown or developed since coming to Mahu Youth? It’s not. My faith is kind of at a standstill and that scares me but I don't know how to move forward. If I could change 1 thing about Mahu Youth, what would be ? I think once a term, we should have a whole evening to split the genders and have a talk about serious issues like suicide, relationships and school. Like a guys and girls night. Who is your favourite leader ? Senior leader:Melissa Junior Leader: Lyall
WARKWORTH HOSPITAL
A
few of our church members live at Warkworth Hospital in Bluegum Drive. We thank Delys Finlay and the small team of volunteers who faithfully visit and keep in contact with them and other
Residents. The team are warmly welcomed and received by staff and residents although visits in 2020-21 have been limited due to Covid restrictions.
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COFFEE@10
W
e have been waiting for you to come and join us at Cafe Q in Riverside Arcade!! Each Friday morning at 9.45, a "Chattering" of women from our Church gather to - well, chatter! It's such a great way to get to know each other, and we've been waiting for YOU to come too. We have had 30+ ladies sharing fellowship with us in this way, usually being between 10 - 14 each Friday morning. So why not you too - come on, give us a try!
The special fun programmes that we have run in the Wilson Centre have been interrupted over the last year because of Covid, so the team have been 'taking a rest'. Perhaps a younger, more energetic team may like to rise to the challenge and help to re-establish this ministry. Special thanks to the team, who are always so willing - Noreen Moore, Lynne Melville, Delys Finlay, Helen Alexander, Heather Provan. Jan West.
ABLE 2 WORSHIP
with everyone enthusiastically celebrating Jesus' birth.
T
We started 2021 with games, devotions and a bbq at the Trotter's farm, and in our other services have looked at the Armour of God, and what it means to be made in God's image, representating God in our every day lives. We have been well supported by all who come along to participate, and those who continue to help in many ways. Thank you all.
he Covid situation has caused some disruptions, however everyone seems extra happy, and thankful, to get together when the opportunity is there. Last year we finished studying the Lord's Prayer, which we had been looking at for the whole year. This was a great extended study led very ably by Rosmarie Krieg. We finished with a wonderful Christmas service,
Jenny Trotter 27
APRIL, 2021
MEMORIES FROM 2020-2021
FAMILY CAMP AT ONE TREE POINT
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SILVER LINING
T
he Silver Lining team continues to plan and organise speaking events that provide helpful information about organisations providing support in health and positive aging. Bringing these plans together has taken longer than anticipated, this year, due the challenges and limitations brought about by Covid19 along with team member’s health concerns and family commitments. We are currently working on two areas of interest and should be able to finalise bookings for speakers and find a suitable venue over the next few weeks. Dilys has maintained her network of valuable contacts, who work with these organisations and with Jonathan Lee, Bev Underwood and Cheryll England, volunteered again this year to help with the collection for Age Concerns Annual fundraising. Cheryll England
SUPAKIDZ AT MATAKANA SCHOOL The SUPAkidz programme at Matakana School is held on Wednesday lunchtimes from 12.25 to 1.10pm. We were only able to meet for 3 terms of 6 weeks each, due to
the schools’ rules during the CV epidemic. As usual, we have used materials supplied by Scripture Union and appreciate their support in this and other ways. Our topics, one per term, have covered ‘The Christmas Story’, ‘Jesus’ Friends’ and ‘Tarore’ (the story of a Maori girl who had her Gospel of Luke stolen by invaders but which passed on the message of Jesus that led many Maori to the Lord.) As well as the story each week, we have a memory verse, a song and an activity or two this will include something they can take home. We have six people in our team: Sue Howard from the Anglican Church, and, from the Presbyterian Church, Bev Underwood, Christina Buxton, Margaret Stoddard, Larry and Ann Cates. The number of children attending varies, with most coming from the younger classes, but with some long-term faithful ones from Years 4 and 5. (Older students tend to have other responsibilities at lunchtimes when we are meeting.) The Principal, Darrel Goosen, is very supportive, as are the other staff with whom we have the most contact. We also appreciate very much the support of the Church in: Interest and Praying, as well as Financial Support in paying our annual fee to Scripture Union for the materials they provide. THANK YOU from Ann Cates (Leader)
us
all
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NURTURE — LIVING OUT YOUR POTENTIAL 29
MAY, 2021
MEMORIES FROM 2020-2021
JUNE, 2021
MAHURANGI HEADS CEMETERY WORKING BEE
MUM TEREREI PRESENTS BABY JOHN FOR DEDICATION 30
HEALING ROOMS
W
ell we are in our 15th year since the opening of Healing Rooms here in Warkworth. I particularly want to acknowledge our incredible, faithful team (I prefer to call them our family members) some of whom have served faithfully twice a week since we first began those 15 years ago. I had thought over the last six months that it was time for Healing Rooms throughout the nation to step aside, as we had completed what we felt the Lord had asked of us- to release a ministry of healing throughout our nation. But God has other ideas and although our Healing Rooms venues have gone down in number they are still greatly used and even more so in these trying times. It’s as though we are actually just beginning what we were originally birthed for. Here in WW we now have live Soaking worship times one hour prior to opening each session and then we wait for the one whom God will send to us. Numbers vary, for instance on Monday and the Monday before lockdown we had seven people walk in within 15 minutes. The Lord moved wonderfully through them. We saw people arriving downcast and leaving full of life and smiles and in some cases even great laughter. We are thankful to our church and all those who encourage and bless us on this journey wherever it may end. We
are willing and able to continue until such time as the Lord says it is finished. We are definitely seeing more healings, particularly in the areas of mental health issues. This is very encouraging as God moves and releases people from anxiety and fear. After Monday sessions we gather together for lunch. We are building a great family relationship with the five different churches involved. We are still very very expectant that the best is yet to come, looking forward to our future with brightness and great hope. Heaven’s blessings, Julie
SUMMERSET
A
short devotional service is held each week at Summerset Village. This is a combined Warkworth churches initiative. Volunteers from our church are responsible for leading the service on the third Tuesday of each month. Tony Georgetti stepped down at the beginning of 2021 as the Team Leader for our church. We acknowledge the contribution Tony and his team of volunteers have made since this ministry began several years ago. New team members for 2021 are Barry & Diane Thompson, Ross & Jenny Segedin, Graeme & Pam Smith and Liz Smythe.
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MahuVision A
pril 2021 was the 10th Anniversary of Mahu Vision Community Trust and the event came and went without a great deal of fanfare. This was largely due to the Covid restrictions that were and had been in place around the time. We hope to be able to celebrate this milestone in a more appropriate way in the months ahead. After 10 years in operation we believed it was timely to revisit and re-examine the Trusts original vision and mission statements along with the objectives to see if they were still “fit for purpose.” The outcome of this process was to adopt new vision and mission statements which better reflect the heart of who and what we are today as Mahu Vision Community Trust. The objectives while still basically the same have been re-worded to better describe how we outwork the revised vision and mission statements. We also added values and outcomes which will help us determine our involvement in new initiative opportunities. OUR VISION: A thriving community filled with hope and grace OUR MISSION: Inspiring and working alongside our community to see people thrive OUR OBJECTIVES
To support and champion social inclusion in our community
To enable migrant peoples to thrive in our community
To help children, youth and families to thrive
To provide emergency support for people in our community
OUR VALUES Belonging, Integrity/Trust, Nurture/ Compassion, Hope OUR OUTCOMES Groups and families flourishing Greater level of social justice Staff: Arney Bingham worked with the Trust in the last semester of 2020. She was on placement as a part of her social work degree course with Massey University. Arney graduated in December 2020 with a Masters in Applied Social Work and has worked for the Trust in a voluntary capacity for the first 6 months of 2021. From July 2021 we have been able to employ Arney on a fixed term contract as a community worker for 12 months. She will be assisting Rosanna and working with family referrals from the foodbank and schools. Etitara Beia who is both an Elder/ leader in the Kiribati community and an Elder with Mahu Church has also been employed on a fixed term contract as a pastoral/community worker with the Trust. She brings a whole new dimension to the Trust in widening our understanding of Kiribati culture and building well being in their community. Etitara is also trialling an after school Kiribati language class for children. 32
Finances T
he church budget for FY21 was built around the unpredictability of the COVID-19 pandemic. We estimated conservative increases as businesses rebuilt and incomes were re-established. What actually came about was such a blessing to us and to our community. We achieved tithes and offerings of 10% over budget and we have been blessed with a grant from Northern Presbytery to help establish a Budget advisory service.
Our spending was around 4% less than we budgeted for due to a number of unspent budgets with events and appointments not taking place in a year like no other since I have been Treasurer! Our surplus will be well needed into the near future as we negotiate both the on-going affects of the pandemic and the implementing of our plans to build a Community and Church Centre. Megan Boyce, Treasurer
MAHU VISION Contd. Community Connections The Trust has continued to build strong connections with community groups in Warkworth and further afield. Included are local schools, Warkworth Rotary, Lions & Food Rescue, Local Board and MP’s, Warkworth Library, Police Youth Aid, Work and Income, De Paul House. We have been successful in having some of our programs funded by the Ministry of Social Development and Ministry of Pacific Peoples. Other events Hosted a Dinner and seminar in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade for the Kiribati and Tuvalu community Held a Ready to Rent seminar on behalf of De Paul House and MSD.
Foodbank Warkworth Christian Foodlink began in 1992 as a joint venture of churches in Warkworth/Mahurangi and today is supported by the Anglican, Baptist, Catholic, Methodist, Presbyterian and Ablaze congregations. We are grateful for and rely on their continuing support through the provision of both financial and volunteer help. Milestones in 2020-2021 610 boxes to 1076 adults and 1212 children plus 195 Christmas Boxes New building Ron Buckton retired after 29 years service Financial Management passed to Mahu Vision Record number of foodboxes in 12 month period 33
Statement of Financial Performance For the year ended 30 June 2021 Account Income Offerings Charitable Appeals Grants Property Income Investment Income Income from Services and Activities Other Income Total Income
Actual 2020
Actual 2021
FY21 Budget
Notes
333,535 73,539 32,790 2,794 2,426 7,132 0 452,216
379,933 84,996 16,558 3,806 2,562 9,091 59 497,005
347,655 68,836 6,558 3,000 2,000 8,400 250 436,699
1 2 3
91,433 166,508 36,253 37,670 31,624 39,865 403,353
105,111 151,384 41,104 42,328 35,715 46,903 422,545
129,446 145,223 35,391 42,526 46,786 37,350 436,722
4 5 6
48,863
74,460
(23)
289,284
383,925
11,703
11,626
326,444
446,759
Expenses Ministry Stipend & Allowance Other Staff Costs & Expenses Property Expenses Administration & Office Expenses Local Mission Global Mission Total Expenses Operating Surplus/(Deficit) for the Year Funds Received for New Land & Building New Land & Building Expenses Surplus/(Deficit) for the Year including New Land & Building
7 2
8 (23)
Notes 1. Tithes and offerings bounced back from the effects of our Lockdown period in 2020 to be 10% more than we had budgeted. A reflection of our generous congregation as well as the trend towards online giving meaning periods of not meeting together don't affect our income as greatly as previously. 75% of our tithers give through online banking compared to 45% only 3 years ago. 2. $12000 was donated and sent to Tonj, South Sudan for the Sunday School building project. 3. The balance of the COVID19 Wage subsidy was brought forward into June 2020 plus we received a $10000 grant from Northern Presbytery to enable us to start a Budgeting Advice service to our local community. 4. We continue to budget for the appointment of a full time Assistant Pastor. This position has been filled only in part, firstly by Jono Macleod in 2020 and now by David Macleod. 5. Other staff costs have increased with the appointment of Hana as Communications Manager and Moe Taboru as an Intern working with youth. 6. Higher than budget due to unexpected repairs and maintenance, specifically a major drainage issue. 7. Due to COVID19 interruptions, Parish events did not go ahead, plus other ministries such as Youth and Children had reduced spending. 8. New building expenses of $716K were spent in FY21 but have been capitalised as a fixed asset (Building Project - Work in Progress) Full report has been audited by Peter Conaglen, Charity Integrity Audit Ltd and is available on request.
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35
YEAR ON YEAR CHURCH STATISTICS
JUNE, 2021
MEMORIES FROM 2020-2021
KELLY DANCING TO THE BLESSING AT DISABILITY AWARENESS SUNDAY
JUNE, 2021
NEW STAFF APPOINTMENTS - ARNEY, DAVID, ETITARA, HANA
NEW CHURCH & COMMUNITY CENTRE BUILDING STAGE ONE APPROVED BY AUCKLAND COUNCIL 36